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Give Me Grace
It’s been six weeks since Halloween. Six weeks since Grace stumbled into the ER, almost dead and begging for help. Six weeks since she lost every single memory, including her own name. Taken in by the mysterious Sisters of the Order of Saint Raphael the Healer, Grace’s wounds are dressed and she is assured her memories will return—in time. But does Grace want her memories back? Maybe she’s chosen to forget them, maybe there’s a reason. The sisters hide things from her. They whisper things about her. When a demon forces its way into the convent, it declares that Grace is a demon too. Grace demands answers. Answers that may reveal not only who she is, but that the sisters might not be who they say they are, either.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2021
2 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Bethany A. Perry
10 books23 followersBethany grew up in the South, transplanted to the West, and has visited just about anywhere in between. She’s got a day job, and a family, and at night she writes.
Her favorite author is Stephen King, and she owes more than she can explain to Supernatural. No matter the medium, storytelling has held her in thrall for decades. She enjoys travelling down the road of the macabre, but mainly in order to discover the beauty hiding within the human spirit when it is pushed beyond normal boundaries. We face the monsters on the page so we can face the darkness within ourselves, and come out the other side of them both as changed people.
If you do nothing else today, pick up a book.
Her favorite author is Stephen King, and she owes more than she can explain to Supernatural. No matter the medium, storytelling has held her in thrall for decades. She enjoys travelling down the road of the macabre, but mainly in order to discover the beauty hiding within the human spirit when it is pushed beyond normal boundaries. We face the monsters on the page so we can face the darkness within ourselves, and come out the other side of them both as changed people.
If you do nothing else today, pick up a book.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 6, 2021
4.50 Stars. Wow! This was way better than I expected. I mean, I always go into a book hoping I will love it, but dark fantasy can be hit or miss for me. Luckily, this was a big ole hit. To round out my three day weekend, of freedom from my job from hell, this was the finale read on my “I should have read/reviewed it earlier” list. I’m not too late on this book, but late enough and I have no excuse except for just being busy and also worrying that I wasn’t in the right headspace to read dark fantasy. Fantasy, especially if you include urban fantasy, is my favorite genre to read, but dark fantasy can be, well a bit dark. I don’t like any book if it is too depressing and that is something that I often complain about in this genre. While there were some tough parts in this book, this is much more of what I want a dark fantasy book to be like.
While this is dark fantasy, this is definitely urban fantasy too. Encase you are not too familiar with the terms, urban fantasy means that it takes place in a populated part of the world we think we know, but supernatural beings are running around -you could also call the magical realism, but that is such a lame term-. So don’t think knights and dragons, instead think current Earth but in this case imagine nuns that run around fighting demons. There is magic and more going on, but it would be very easy to spoil the story if I gave too much away. And while this does have demon fighting nuns, the book doesn’t have an overly religious feel. There are all different sides and you really have to decide for yourself who is good, bad, or anything in between.
This author is not new, but completely new to me. I don’t know if this is her first book staring an LGBTQ main character or what but she can sure write. This book is really well written and for the second night in a row I was up until almost 3am because I had to finish this book. I’m going to be a zombie at work tomorrow from these late nights but this book was so worth it. Once I read the short prologue, that was it and I was hooked. It did take me a chapter or two to feel like I understood the main character, she’s feels too scattered in the beginning, but Perry soon finds her writing groove and everything just really clicks after that.
This does have a WLW romance this I was happy about. It is pretty slow burn, and not the biggest storyline, but I thought it fit the story well. This book is action packed, Perry just filled every second with something it seems, so I was impressed with how much romance she wove into it. The characters make an interesting couple, which worked for me, and I enjoyed their sweeter moments.
This book absolutely screams for a sequel. There is a bit of a cliffy, but I can’t tell if that was just an ending choice, to let us the readers decide what we think, or is a book 2 coming. Either way works for me but I really, really, want another book. In the end, this book was so much better than I expected and is in the running for biggest surprise of ’21 for me. If you like dark urban fantasy, especially stories with demons, read this! This book is way under the radar right now and I hope more people give it a chance.
P.S. If you sign-up to NineStar Press’ newsletter they give out coupon codes for book discounts almost every month.
A copy was given to me for a review.
While this is dark fantasy, this is definitely urban fantasy too. Encase you are not too familiar with the terms, urban fantasy means that it takes place in a populated part of the world we think we know, but supernatural beings are running around -you could also call the magical realism, but that is such a lame term-. So don’t think knights and dragons, instead think current Earth but in this case imagine nuns that run around fighting demons. There is magic and more going on, but it would be very easy to spoil the story if I gave too much away. And while this does have demon fighting nuns, the book doesn’t have an overly religious feel. There are all different sides and you really have to decide for yourself who is good, bad, or anything in between.
This author is not new, but completely new to me. I don’t know if this is her first book staring an LGBTQ main character or what but she can sure write. This book is really well written and for the second night in a row I was up until almost 3am because I had to finish this book. I’m going to be a zombie at work tomorrow from these late nights but this book was so worth it. Once I read the short prologue, that was it and I was hooked. It did take me a chapter or two to feel like I understood the main character, she’s feels too scattered in the beginning, but Perry soon finds her writing groove and everything just really clicks after that.
This does have a WLW romance this I was happy about. It is pretty slow burn, and not the biggest storyline, but I thought it fit the story well. This book is action packed, Perry just filled every second with something it seems, so I was impressed with how much romance she wove into it. The characters make an interesting couple, which worked for me, and I enjoyed their sweeter moments.
This book absolutely screams for a sequel. There is a bit of a cliffy, but I can’t tell if that was just an ending choice, to let us the readers decide what we think, or is a book 2 coming. Either way works for me but I really, really, want another book. In the end, this book was so much better than I expected and is in the running for biggest surprise of ’21 for me. If you like dark urban fantasy, especially stories with demons, read this! This book is way under the radar right now and I hope more people give it a chance.
P.S. If you sign-up to NineStar Press’ newsletter they give out coupon codes for book discounts almost every month.
A copy was given to me for a review.
February 22, 2022
This was a strange book, an enjoyable book, but still strange. I mean, there's this person with amnesia who may or may not be a demon, who was "rescued" by this group of nuns who . . . aren't really nuns? But .. . are? And are we in the contemporary world, or some fantasy world? This is me at the beginning of the book. Answers were found, much and many answers. After which I still say: this was a strange book.
I'm trying to think of what I could say without being spoiler-y. Considering the plot line, the story, the characters, this is not fantasy adjacent, this is a fantasy book - set on earth, contemporary earth (found out eventually). And non-earth, but let's move on. Basically: there's a good solid fantasy plot line that, once a reader is in deep enough, is fleshed-out well enough.
There's a romance, though, for the longest time, there were questions about whether or not the people involved had the capacity for a romance (remember: ... okay, I mentioned, but didn't connect the dots: one of the main people in the romance has amnesia and doesn't know themselves, hard, in that situation, to fully dive into a romantic relationship when you don't even know yourself; and the other is . . . I don't have the words for it, but a nun trainee is good enough I suppose. Not yet a sworn in nun, but inches away; hard for a nun trainee to have a romantic relationship, eh?).
Unreliable narrators everywhere. Though that normally means the POV character "telling the reader" the story. Here it means: we have someone with amnesia, so their knowledge of the plot is faulty; and outsiders who create fog (hippie witches, and demons); and "insiders" who lie (the nuns) about basically everything (the nature of their relationship with the amnesic one; their relationship with a Christian God, since, you know, nuns and stuff; and, basically, 90% of what they tell the amnesic one).
Another "enjoyable book" that I took too long before reviewing so my review is super short.
Rating: 4.45
February 22, 2022
I'm trying to think of what I could say without being spoiler-y. Considering the plot line, the story, the characters, this is not fantasy adjacent, this is a fantasy book - set on earth, contemporary earth (found out eventually). And non-earth, but let's move on. Basically: there's a good solid fantasy plot line that, once a reader is in deep enough, is fleshed-out well enough.
There's a romance, though, for the longest time, there were questions about whether or not the people involved had the capacity for a romance (remember: ... okay, I mentioned, but didn't connect the dots: one of the main people in the romance has amnesia and doesn't know themselves, hard, in that situation, to fully dive into a romantic relationship when you don't even know yourself; and the other is . . . I don't have the words for it, but a nun trainee is good enough I suppose. Not yet a sworn in nun, but inches away; hard for a nun trainee to have a romantic relationship, eh?).
Unreliable narrators everywhere. Though that normally means the POV character "telling the reader" the story. Here it means: we have someone with amnesia, so their knowledge of the plot is faulty; and outsiders who create fog (hippie witches, and demons); and "insiders" who lie (the nuns) about basically everything (the nature of their relationship with the amnesic one; their relationship with a Christian God, since, you know, nuns and stuff; and, basically, 90% of what they tell the amnesic one).
Another "enjoyable book" that I took too long before reviewing so my review is super short.
Rating: 4.45
February 22, 2022
September 27, 2021
Oh, what a trip! This was gruesome and dark, and I liked it. I really liked it.
I hope there's a sequel 'cause Grace and Monica!
I hope there's a sequel 'cause Grace and Monica!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
4 stars
As a dark fantasy, very good. And confusing. At least for me.
But I can definitely recommend it.
The writing is solid, the characters interesting and I was enthralled despite having no clue what the hell was going on.
As a dark fantasy, very good. And confusing. At least for me.
But I can definitely recommend it.
The writing is solid, the characters interesting and I was enthralled despite having no clue what the hell was going on.
did-not-finish
October 30, 2021Read on scribd. Got 3/4 of the way in, but I struggled and ultimately just felt I didn't want to continue.
I loved the interesting premise, but for whatever reason it just didn't work for me in its execution.. perhaps it was too convoluted? too many false starts and false mystery thrown about.
Also the romance angle I just never could really believe in. Plus it felt like
I know I'm in the minority, others loved it and I am an odd duck and awkward turtle, but I was also grossly disappointed in the characters for
I loved the interesting premise, but for whatever reason it just didn't work for me in its execution.. perhaps it was too convoluted? too many false starts and false mystery thrown about.
Also the romance angle I just never could really believe in. Plus it felt like
I know I'm in the minority, others loved it and I am an odd duck and awkward turtle, but I was also grossly disappointed in the characters for
May 31, 2021
Give me Grace is an astounding break away from the average demon and angels and witches books of most urban fantasy. It takes your ideas of religion, evil, good, and everything in between, and makes you question and think through more than just a conflict and inner battle, but what we decide is okay for someone to do to us, or for us to do to them. Grace grapples with her amnesia and inhabiting the body of a woman, she doesn't remembering getting consent from, especially since that woman has a life outside of all of this. The book questions heteronormativity, and what we think we know about gender as a Western society, and I'm giving it five stars BECAUSE it made me uncomfortable. It made me think. It speculated and dove deep into emotions and at the heart of it, human struggles, even through the eyes of a demon.
June 18, 2021
There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said by other reviewers, but I will reiterate that this book is amazing. The writing is engaging and beautifully executed, the themes open up into deep, thought-provoking, and philosophical ways that will be uncomfortable for some but might also expand the mind. The plot is a twisting roller-coaster of emotions that will leave you breathless with fear, anxiety, and sentimentality, and the love story will take your breath away, as well as leave your heart aching. Grace is a fantastic character, especially as a symbol of what it means to reinvent yourself and throw off social expectations and norms to become the truest version off yourself, especially when you have literally lost EVERYTHING. If you love urban fantasy that goes beyond monster hunting and love triangles, if you love angel and demon lore but also being challenged as you read, you must pick up this book.
July 21, 2021
this was so cool!!! these days i have trouble with concentrating but this book really helps me to focus and read thoroughly. also this book gave me netflix’s warrior nun vibes which i really like.
June 15, 2021
really enjoyed this one. writing was engaging, it pulled me in from the very start and wouldn't let me go. the storyline was interesting, uncomfortable, incredible and just all around go me.
September 18, 2021
Before we start - I am so excited to be the first reviewer for this book! I'll just be sitting here waiting for the next one I guess ...
Grace doesn't remember anything since Halloween night six weeks ago. Since she stumbled into the hospital clinging onto life and begging for help. Now, the only life she knows is the one among the mysterious Order of Saint Raphael the Healer, a clandestine convent who took her in and treated her wounds. On the surface they look like every other Convent - but there's much more under the surface.
Assured by the Sisters her memories will return in time, Grace tries to learn the ways of the Order and their demon hunting ways with her new confidant Monica - until Grace is accused of being a Demon herself. It seems like she's hiding something from herself, and she's not the only one with secrets that are waiting to break free.
Immediately thrown into a new and strange world of a girl who doesn't even know her own name, this story starts with a punch and doesn't let up all the way to the very last page. We're left trying to solve the mysteries along with Grace - and there's plenty of them. Of all the stories I've read that start off with an amnesiac character, this is the one that took it to such an explosive place and definitely broke away from the mold. With such a colourful, diverse cast and a universe so intricate it felt like a fever dream, I was immersed in a world of angels and demons that left me in a state of confusion making my brain ache in the best way.
As we learn more about Grace and her story it brought up some serious questions about humanity - forces us to look at our capacity to change and to love, and what truly defines someone as good or evil.
I cried, I squirmed, I swooned and I laughed with Grace until I ran out of pages - and what. an. ending.
Give Me Grace is a fast-paced fantasy packed with thrills and gory goodness and I can't wait till the next installment.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Bethany A Perry, Ninestar Press and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Grace doesn't remember anything since Halloween night six weeks ago. Since she stumbled into the hospital clinging onto life and begging for help. Now, the only life she knows is the one among the mysterious Order of Saint Raphael the Healer, a clandestine convent who took her in and treated her wounds. On the surface they look like every other Convent - but there's much more under the surface.
Assured by the Sisters her memories will return in time, Grace tries to learn the ways of the Order and their demon hunting ways with her new confidant Monica - until Grace is accused of being a Demon herself. It seems like she's hiding something from herself, and she's not the only one with secrets that are waiting to break free.
Immediately thrown into a new and strange world of a girl who doesn't even know her own name, this story starts with a punch and doesn't let up all the way to the very last page. We're left trying to solve the mysteries along with Grace - and there's plenty of them. Of all the stories I've read that start off with an amnesiac character, this is the one that took it to such an explosive place and definitely broke away from the mold. With such a colourful, diverse cast and a universe so intricate it felt like a fever dream, I was immersed in a world of angels and demons that left me in a state of confusion making my brain ache in the best way.
As we learn more about Grace and her story it brought up some serious questions about humanity - forces us to look at our capacity to change and to love, and what truly defines someone as good or evil.
I cried, I squirmed, I swooned and I laughed with Grace until I ran out of pages - and what. an. ending.
Give Me Grace is a fast-paced fantasy packed with thrills and gory goodness and I can't wait till the next installment.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Bethany A Perry, Ninestar Press and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
September 7, 2021
I absolutely love how Bethany A. Perry creates visuals in the reader's mind. The entire book played like a movie. I loved the scene(s) of Grace going into someone else's mind and how each person's mind was different. The author created unique, stunning visuals. The TV was excellent. The relationship between Grace and Kari was reminiscent of Good Omens. Bethany A. Perry makes great use of flowery language that isn't overbearing or repetitive. She knows exactly when to use it and how to make her descriptions unique.
I would have liked to have seen more of Monica and Grace's budding relationship before I love you, with more tension to understand and sympathize with Grace's decision. By the end, though, their love for each other was believable and wonderfully heartbreaking.
Bethany A. Perry created a full cast of characters and helped the reader care about each one. I loved the climax and the choices the author made, having one perceived final battle before another final battle and ending the story in such a way that my eyes were filled with tears by the last lines in the last chapter. I also loved the open ending (but not a cliffhanger!) and would for sure read a Book 2 if this were a series.
I would have liked to have seen more of Monica and Grace's budding relationship before I love you, with more tension to understand and sympathize with Grace's decision. By the end, though, their love for each other was believable and wonderfully heartbreaking.
Bethany A. Perry created a full cast of characters and helped the reader care about each one. I loved the climax and the choices the author made, having one perceived final battle before another final battle and ending the story in such a way that my eyes were filled with tears by the last lines in the last chapter. I also loved the open ending (but not a cliffhanger!) and would for sure read a Book 2 if this were a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2023
This review was originally posted at http://bit.ly/3IgI00K.
Grace stumbled into the hospital holding her intestines inside her body with no memory of who she was or how she got there. Monica was the healer on duty and began to nurse her back to health, under the name Grace. With no memory of her past life the Order took her into the nunnery and she became part of their group. In a way. However, Mother Mary is hiding a secret of Grace's identity from her to her own end. When she discovers the truth she may not like the person she finds, even if she doesn't remember most of their actions.
I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book has action, a bit of girl on girl sex, and demons all thrown together. The best description I have for these demons is think crossroads demons from supernatural. They'll possess someone, strike a deal, and go from there. Sans the hell hounds. In this case it seems that the demons get to possess the person they strike a deal with.
The story deals a lot with forgiveness and there is very little to no religious aspects in this book. Yes, I know there is a nunnery, but they serve Raphael who I'm not even convinced is a real angel in this book. Still, if there are demons why not angels. It isn't bogged down with religion, even when they are attending mass and even that is largely glossed over. Thank you for small favors! For me that was a major plus with this book. I am all for setting, but don't want to have to read about that.
You can see how the dynamic between Grace and Monica changes as the story progresses. There is the initial friendship, followed by betrayal, working past that to more, dealing with Grace's past life together, then the major betrayal. Still, everything worked out in the end, even if it wasn't how I imagined things would end. I hope for good things for Natalie's spouse and the kids.
I don't have any complaints about this book. While it wasn't one I couldn't put down it held my interest and I enjoyed the story. My favorite character didn't make it to the final chapter, but that is okay. I can't say who she is because I don't want to give away any deaths. I will say it was a background character.
Grace stumbled into the hospital holding her intestines inside her body with no memory of who she was or how she got there. Monica was the healer on duty and began to nurse her back to health, under the name Grace. With no memory of her past life the Order took her into the nunnery and she became part of their group. In a way. However, Mother Mary is hiding a secret of Grace's identity from her to her own end. When she discovers the truth she may not like the person she finds, even if she doesn't remember most of their actions.
I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book has action, a bit of girl on girl sex, and demons all thrown together. The best description I have for these demons is think crossroads demons from supernatural. They'll possess someone, strike a deal, and go from there. Sans the hell hounds. In this case it seems that the demons get to possess the person they strike a deal with.
The story deals a lot with forgiveness and there is very little to no religious aspects in this book. Yes, I know there is a nunnery, but they serve Raphael who I'm not even convinced is a real angel in this book. Still, if there are demons why not angels. It isn't bogged down with religion, even when they are attending mass and even that is largely glossed over. Thank you for small favors! For me that was a major plus with this book. I am all for setting, but don't want to have to read about that.
You can see how the dynamic between Grace and Monica changes as the story progresses. There is the initial friendship, followed by betrayal, working past that to more, dealing with Grace's past life together, then the major betrayal. Still, everything worked out in the end, even if it wasn't how I imagined things would end. I hope for good things for Natalie's spouse and the kids.
I don't have any complaints about this book. While it wasn't one I couldn't put down it held my interest and I enjoyed the story. My favorite character didn't make it to the final chapter, but that is okay. I can't say who she is because I don't want to give away any deaths. I will say it was a background character.
May 23, 2021
I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley. All opinions are my own!
Six weeks ago, Grace stumbled into the ER, badly wounded and without any of her memories. Six weeks ago, she was taken in by the Order of Saint Raphael. But when a demon force its way into her life and reminds her she's a demon too, she finds her life spinning out of control and the truth might be a bit more than she can handle.
At first, this book was very confusing to me, but I think that's just the nature of a main character who remembers nothing about themselves! As the story evolved, I found myself loving Grace and her development, and everything began to fall into place! She is such a strong character and I loved watching her grow into who she wanted to be instead of who the world told her she was!
I also loved that this book really talked about some deeper thoughts and ideas about human nature and good versus evil. The nature of Grace's dilemma was something that really forces you as a reader to stop and think a bit deeper about the issues presented, and I greatly enjoyed that side of the story.
Not to mention the LGBTQ+ representation in this book! It was wonderful to watch Grace find herself and really navigate what she wanted even while trying to figure out the fantasy aspects of her story. By the end, everything had come together into one package of Grace herself and who she wanted to become in the most beautiful way!
If you're looking for a darker fantasy that will make you stop and think, this is the book for you!
Six weeks ago, Grace stumbled into the ER, badly wounded and without any of her memories. Six weeks ago, she was taken in by the Order of Saint Raphael. But when a demon force its way into her life and reminds her she's a demon too, she finds her life spinning out of control and the truth might be a bit more than she can handle.
At first, this book was very confusing to me, but I think that's just the nature of a main character who remembers nothing about themselves! As the story evolved, I found myself loving Grace and her development, and everything began to fall into place! She is such a strong character and I loved watching her grow into who she wanted to be instead of who the world told her she was!
I also loved that this book really talked about some deeper thoughts and ideas about human nature and good versus evil. The nature of Grace's dilemma was something that really forces you as a reader to stop and think a bit deeper about the issues presented, and I greatly enjoyed that side of the story.
Not to mention the LGBTQ+ representation in this book! It was wonderful to watch Grace find herself and really navigate what she wanted even while trying to figure out the fantasy aspects of her story. By the end, everything had come together into one package of Grace herself and who she wanted to become in the most beautiful way!
If you're looking for a darker fantasy that will make you stop and think, this is the book for you!
May 31, 2021
Not at all what I expected - very dark, convoluted plot but worth the reading time.
Paranormal, urban fantasy that touches on horror, religious thoughts, sexual identity as well as the mystery of how an adult woman with no memories begins to shape herself into a fully present person.
Tense, sometimes uncomfortable plot leads to an unexpected ending.
Paranormal, urban fantasy that touches on horror, religious thoughts, sexual identity as well as the mystery of how an adult woman with no memories begins to shape herself into a fully present person.
Tense, sometimes uncomfortable plot leads to an unexpected ending.
September 23, 2021
A very different kind of book - with kick-ass nuns, magic, possession, sneaky demons, sorta/kinda angels, and the list goes on. Grace awakens in a convent - not sure how she got there or even who she is. Cared for by a very different kind of nuns, she tries to piece together her past and figure out her future.
This was a really inventive premise that kept things moving with a fair bit of action and cross/double cross going on that kept me on my reading toes. More of a supernatural thriller than urban fantasy, the author does a great job with developing the plot and the characters in a plausible (for a supernatural thriller) manner.
This was a really inventive premise that kept things moving with a fair bit of action and cross/double cross going on that kept me on my reading toes. More of a supernatural thriller than urban fantasy, the author does a great job with developing the plot and the characters in a plausible (for a supernatural thriller) manner.
December 9, 2021
What a great book! I just swallowed it whole in one evening, and I really enjoyed it. It has a bit of everything: an order of demon-exorcising nuns, hunters, archangels, powerful ancient demons, and and an amnesiac named Grace who is at the center of of this maelstrom. I can't say a lot without spoilers, but this book was just fantastic. Highly recommended!
January 29, 2022
Give Me Grace is an action packed fantasy book, full with twists and turns that spice it up and keeps the reader tied down to finish the whole book at once.
I absolutely loved Grace’s character and her development. The story’s background was unique and the story itself was filled, fast paced read. I loved the small funny remarks in the book and how it was packed with different emotions. The reader definitely will get on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
A well-written dark fantasy, not a simple good versus evil book, nice read for everyone who wants to get something new. I absolutely recommend it to all the dark fantasy lovers.
Thank you for NetGalley for the free copy.
I absolutely loved Grace’s character and her development. The story’s background was unique and the story itself was filled, fast paced read. I loved the small funny remarks in the book and how it was packed with different emotions. The reader definitely will get on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
A well-written dark fantasy, not a simple good versus evil book, nice read for everyone who wants to get something new. I absolutely recommend it to all the dark fantasy lovers.
Thank you for NetGalley for the free copy.
July 9, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This book started out like a roller coaster. First, the tension and the mystery built, climbing higher and higher. Then, when Grace discovers who or what she may or may not be, the ride began to careen down in a spiral of plot and self-discovery. Unfortunately, rather than a wild series of loops and twists and stomach-dropping action, the ride just slowly coasted to the end. And this is due in large part to Grace. In the first few chapters of the book Grace is carefully trying to find the right steps to the dance she’s now performing, balancing her own uncertainty against her friendship with Monica, and her respect for the Order and Mother Mary. But when the grand reveal comes, Grace’s voice changes rather drastically. Instead of being someone in charge of her own life, for all that it’s a shattered thing made of scraps rather than whole cloth, she suddenly becomes a victim of circumstance, thrown willy-nilly into someone else’s current, swept along and helpless.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This book started out like a roller coaster. First, the tension and the mystery built, climbing higher and higher. Then, when Grace discovers who or what she may or may not be, the ride began to careen down in a spiral of plot and self-discovery. Unfortunately, rather than a wild series of loops and twists and stomach-dropping action, the ride just slowly coasted to the end. And this is due in large part to Grace. In the first few chapters of the book Grace is carefully trying to find the right steps to the dance she’s now performing, balancing her own uncertainty against her friendship with Monica, and her respect for the Order and Mother Mary. But when the grand reveal comes, Grace’s voice changes rather drastically. Instead of being someone in charge of her own life, for all that it’s a shattered thing made of scraps rather than whole cloth, she suddenly becomes a victim of circumstance, thrown willy-nilly into someone else’s current, swept along and helpless.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
December 14, 2024
I've been reading some dark fantasy lately and quite enjoying it. This book wasn't as good as The One Who Eats Monsters, but there were a few aspects that were well done, like the mythology, which I thought was very intriguing, and the mystery; I never quite knew who to trust and I loved that. The romance was ok, not as good as I'd been hoping for but ok. I also liked the ending, but I'm not going to say why because spoilers.
Overall, a solid dark fantasy book.
Overall, a solid dark fantasy book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews